August Ramblings~

Hello everyone!

Since July, I've been quite busy.  I picked up a part-time job, (To help curb my living expenses) and as soon my portfolio is ready I will be seeking out full-time, field-related work.  I am set on applying to various costume houses in the area, in the hopes they will pick me up for an entry-level position. Aside from the part-time work, I've just been taking it easy, trying to gather my bearings and be prepared to take my career into my own hands.  My amazing husband helped create a very simple online portfolio site for me, which is great since I would have no freaking clue how to do it myself!

As for job searching -- I'm not as scared about it as I thought I'd be.  Thankfully I'm in a stable enough financial situation where I'm not in some huge rush to get a job right away, or settle for something not to my liking.  Some final things I have left to do are write my resume, bio, and prepare some business cards.

In other (nerdy) news, I have new costumes already picked out for this 2012/2013!  After my personal success with Shanoa (I will have to go back and post the final tid-bits and construction notes on it), I've decided to run with Castlevania again -- but this time, from one of my all-time favourites from the series, if not one of my favourite games period.  Castlevania, Symphony of the Night!

Maria Renard -- SOTN

Back in 2004, I bought 70% of the materials I needed for Maria Renard.  I must have lost interest or felt intimidated by the costume.  Recently, I pulled all of the material out (Kept hanging on to it!) and needless to say, she's being put together right now! I have already completed her sash, as well as her 18th century shoes.  (Found a great pair on eBay, and paid only $15 for 'em!)  The shoes came out quite beautifully -- and I finally overcame my fears of covering shoes in fabric.  (I'm going to put together a tutorial of sorts for those who might want to try it.)  In my opinion, it looks much nicer than just painting shoes, plus, you don't have to worry about cracking or creasing paint, varnishing, etc.  I took some slight creative liberty with them, and added some extra trims.

Alucard -- SOTN

I am super fan-girling too, because my husband has agreed to be Alucard.  This means I can finally take on its construction (Always been a dream of mine) knowing that I can actually handle the difficulties it might cause me.  Honestly though, it won't be too difficult, but I really want to take my time with it and make it stunning.  For now though, I'll finish off Maria, and once it is completed, I will start on Alucard.

I know that two costumes doesn't seem like 'big plans' for the remainder of this year, but considering that I will likely be juggling a full-time job and my hobby, it'll be enough! Don't want to get too ahead of myself here.

Love and happy cosplaying,

♥ Ely